Gothenburg's hottest restaurants

Elegant sister on Storgatan

Studio HPKSM has become a favourite watering hole among Gothenburg's cultural crew and when its little sister restaurant Faye Emmy opened up next door it was an instant hit. The restaurant can be described as HPKSM's elegant little sister, complete with brass details and a green marble bar. There's an emphasis on natural wines, served alongside top-quality pinxtos, cheese and charcuterie.

New management at well-known address

Ma Cuisine is well-known name on the Gothenburg restaurant scene and it's been at the same address next to the cathedral for more than 20 years. Since 2018, however, the restaurant has been run by a new team, albeit from within the same family, in an updated form. The charming, intimate atmosphere remains, while the menu and drinks list are constantly changing. Seasonal ingredients and Swedish nature provide culinary inspiration and the restaurant's dynamism and passion are tangible.

As innovative as it is popular

Toso has been around for some time now and they've managed to pull off the major trick of remaining as relevant and exciting now as when they opened. This Pan-Asian restaurant on Götaplatsen is usually packed and it's a good idea to book well in advance. The kitchen works with local ingredients and Asian flavours, a fusion concept they pull off extremely well.

A passion for craftsmanship

Bruk is run by an experienced bartender duo with a passion for service, food and drink. Cocktails take centre stage, both well-loved classics and their own creative interpretations. If you fancy something to nibble on with your drink you can choose from cheese and charcuterie plates and ambitious small dishes. There's plenty of space in the elegantly decorated bar for both large groups and intimate dates.

Popular and unpretentious

Familjen's welcoming glow has made it a second living room for many regulars and it's an easy place to drop into whether you're after a drink, something simple to eat or a three-course gourmet meal. Simple is best, is the kitchen's motto. The Michelin Guide agrees, awarding Familjen their Bib Gourmand award for excellent food at reasonable prices. Lots of guests come for the cocktail menu, which includes playful elements such as "Burnt butter and apple" and "White chocolate and almond".

Riviera style by the sea

The sun's out and there's nothing we'd rather do than drink chilled rosé and eat shellfish to the sound of lapping waves at this summer utopia. Långedrag Värdshus could be confused with a French holiday resort and the view over the sea couldn't be more delightful or Insta-friendly. Sip on a cocktail, eat something delicious from the sea or tuck into their reasonably-priced archipelago brunch at the weekend.

Popular hangout at Sweden's only urban winery

Sweden's first and only urban winery - Wine Mechanics - is in Gamlestan's Meatpacking district. As well as wine production there's also a winebar and restaurant, where the concept is modern comfort food - seasonal food that makes you feel right at home. There's a special bar menu in the bar, serving oysters and charcuterie alongside their own-produced wine.

Brasserie with a party feel

The historic Valand building, which has been a party venue since 1886, has seen numerous parties over the years. After a major facelift, the modern brasserie Teatergatan is now a popular fixture in the building. The menu includes everything from oysters to grilled meat dishes and bon viveurs hang out at the bar to start the evening with a cocktail. The party atmosphere is deeply ingrained here.

Acclaimed Asian

No one was surprised when Jinx's popular food truck switched up a gear and became a fully-fledged restaurant. With a fixed address on Victoriagården, they serve buns and beer to a growing client base of locals and passers-through. The founders Claes Andersson, John Wästfelt and Jonathan Björnlund have won several prizes for their menu; try their buns with panko-fried tofu, steamed bao buns, hoisin sauce, kimchi salsa, pickled cucumbers and soya mayo and you'll understand why.

Parisian decadence

Up on the fourth floor of the famous Hotel Pigalle is the hotel restaurant, Atelier. Velvet banquettes and chandeliers create a feeling of turn-of-the-last-century Parisian decadence. The cocktail list follows the same theme and the kitchen also takes its inspiration from France, although the ingredients they use come from local producers.

Clubby lounge vibes at pan-Asian restaurant

Mr Lac has taken Gothenburg by storm with its street vibes and clubby feel. Their aim is to take guests on a thrilling sensory journey. Culinary and design inspiration comes from the major cities of Asian, with their lively streets, skyscrapers and 24/7 action. The menu at this hip Linné restaurant consists of favourite Asian dishes such as pad Thai and panang curry.

Authentic Italian food and art in a garage

There's been a buzz around Studio HPKSM ever since things started happening in this former garage space in Vasa. There isn't exactly a shortage of Italian restaurants in Gothenburg, but few can boast authentic, Italian cuisine combined with world-class art, poetry and DJs in an old underground garage.

The jazz club that finally found a home

If you're in the mood for jazz, Unity is the place to come. The jazz club, which used to be a travelling members' club, has now moved into Kale'i's former premises and opened up to anyone who wants to listen to some groovy jazz. Cheese fondue, whisky and jam nights are just a few of the delights on their events calendar.

Hidden paradise for hedonists

Björn Persson dreamt for many years of the perfect bar, serving everything that made life worth living. And that's just how many of its loyal regulars would describe Björns bar. Only ingredients of the finest quality make it into the kitchen and, as sister restaurant to the larger Koka restaurant, the bar gives its dishes creative, clever twists. Björn himself describes his bar as a "mecca for gourmets, hedonists and pleasure-seekers".